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When it comes to making a decision about NIT Calicut vs NIT Surathkal, it can be tough as both the institutes are among the most preferred engineering colleges in India. These two institutes are often in students’ minds when they are in the process of NIT admission through JoSAA for quality academics, robust career prospects and a lively campus.
NIT Calicut is renowned for its historical legacy, interdisciplinary engineering courses, and developing ties with industry. NIT Surathkal is known for its high standards of infrastructure, research orientation, and performance in engineering education. Aspirants can find which NIT is best for them to pursue their careers in their desired stream and for their overall college experience here.
A detailed NIT comparison will allow students to understand the difference between the academic, campus life and opportunities between NITs before deciding. This decision is also affected by the NIT ranking, the admission process for NITs, and the competition in the different branches of the NITs. Students who are interested in NIT CSE must compare the cutoffs with the curriculum and the profile of the recruiters before filling preferences.
Both institutes are in the list of best NITs; therefore, it is necessary to compare them on various factors. This article includes all of the relevant details regarding Top NITs, NIT BTech courses, NIT ranking 2026, placements, and NIT Calicut vs NIT Surathkal fees to aid you in making an informed decision.

Also Check: Total NIT Seats in India 2026
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal (Overview)
The following table contains a generic comparison overview between NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal. Students may refer to the same to check some of the most crucial highlights to choose a college between NIT Calicut vs NIT Surathkal.
| Particulars | NIT Calicut | NIT Surathkal |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | National Institute of Technology Calicut | National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal |
| Established | 1961 | 1960 |
| Location | Kozhikode, Kerala | Mangaluru, Karnataka |
| Institute Type | Public Technical University | Public Technical University |
| Status | Institute of National Importance | Institute of National Importance |
| Campus Size | Around 300 Acres | Around 295 Acres |
| NIRF Engineering Ranking 2025 | 21 | 17 |
| Admission | JEE Main followed by JoSAA and CSAB Counselling | JEE Main followed by JoSAA and CSAB Counselling |
| Popular B.Tech Branches | CSE, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical | CSE, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Information Technology |
| Total B.Tech Duration | 4 Years | 4 Years |
| Highest Package (Recent) | Around INR 56.59 LPA | Around INR 63 LPA |
| Average Package (Recent) | Around INR 14 LPA | Around INR 17 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm | Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, Texas Instruments |
| Official Website | nitc.ac.in | nitk.ac.in |
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal: NIRF Ranking Comparison
NIRF ranking is one of the most crucial factors students consider when choosing among engineering colleges in India. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a ranking system that is published annually by the Ministry of Education, India.
It ranks institutes based on various parameters, including teaching, learning resources, research, graduation outcome, outreach, and perception. The academic performance and industry reputation of both NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal make them among the top engineering institutes in the country.
While both institutes have been doing very well since their inception, they have been on an equal level with each other in the Engineering category, but NIT Surathkal has overall performed better than NIT Calicut.
| Particular | NIT Surathkal | NIT Calicut |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF Rank (Overall) | 54 | 45 |
| NIRF Rank (Engineering) | 17 | 21 |
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal Fee Structure & Course
Students seeking admission to the NIT Btech program can better understand the overall fees of studying at NIT Calicut vs NIT Surathkal with the fees comparison available below.
The fees are almost the same for all the students, but the amount may differ as per the hostel charges, mess fee and other academic fees.
Making a fee structure comparison beforehand enables the aspirants to plan their finances and take an informed admission decision.
| Course Credential | NIT Surathkal | NIT Calicut |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | B.E / B.Tech | B.E / B.Tech |
| Branch | Computer Science Engineering | Computer Science Engineering |
| Duration | 4 Years | 4 Years |
| Mode | Offline | Offline |
| Approved Intake | 115 | 86 |
| Fees | ₹5.88 Lakh | ₹6.43 Lakh |
| Exams Accepted | JEE Main | JEE Main |
| Admission Details | Admissions are conducted in the odd semester at the first-year level. Selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the qualifying entrance examination and the institute’s admission process. | Admission to the B.Tech programme is based on the candidate’s performance in JEE Main, followed by the centralised counselling process as prescribed by the institute. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must have passed Class XII (or an equivalent examination) with at least five subjects and secured a minimum of 75% aggregate marks (or as per the prevailing admission guidelines). | Applicants must have completed Class XII (or an equivalent examination) with a minimum of five subjects and obtained at least 75% aggregate marks (or the applicable qualifying criteria for admission). |
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal: JEE Main Cutoff Comparison
The cutoff for JEE Main plays an important role in choosing between these two colleges by students while going through JoSAA counselling.
Both institutions have extremely competitive closing ranks, specifically for courses such as Computer Science and Electronics.
In the past few years, the closing ranks of NIT Surathkal are lower (more competitive) than those of NIT Calicut. This is due to the greater popularity of NIT Surathkal amongst applicants.
Check the latest NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal JEE Main Cutoff below:
NIT Calicut JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (General – All India)
The following table contains the last closing rank of NIT Calicut JEE Main cutoffs (round 4).
| Course | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 31,864 | 29,654 | 23,539 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 4,185 | 4,957 | 5,466 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 40,979 | 37,917 | 32,861 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 16,199 | 15,439 | 11,116 |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering | 7,056 | 7,572 | 7,406 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 24,365 | 23,766 | 16,885 |
| B.Tech. in Production Engineering | 39,968 | 39,478 | 29,198 |
| B.Tech. in Biotechnology | 48,535 | 41,289 | 32,353 |
| Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) | 466 | 289 | 231 |
| B.Tech. in Engineering Physics | 13,950 | 17,004 | 10,012 |
| B.Tech. in Materials Science and Engineering | 44,223 | 36,515 | 28,690 |
| B.Tech. in Energy Engineering | NA | 30,848 | 25,459 |
| B.Tech + M.Tech in Mathematics & Computing | NA | NA | 7,203 |
Also Check: NIT Calicut Placements 2026
NIT Surathkal JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (General – All India)
The following table contains the last closing rank of NIT Surathkal JEE Main cutoffs (round 4).
| Course | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering | 14,571 | 14,036 | 11,600 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 27,289 | 25,914 | 22,372 |
| B.Tech. in Mining Engineering | 30,509 | 31,695 | 27,104 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 17,933 | 17,020 | 14,519 |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering | 3,871 | 4,158 | 3,762 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 8,625 | 7,913 | 6,420 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | 1,441 | 1,607 | 1,727 |
| B.Tech. in Information Technology | 2,842 | 2,980 | 2,918 |
| B.Tech. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | 26,226 | 24,126 | 21,278 |
| B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence | 2,486 | 2,372 | 2,445 |
| B.Tech. in Computational and Data Science | 2,952 | 3,286 | 2,973 |
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal Placements
For all those who are interested in pursuing engineering at any NIT and are confused between NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal, the placements comparison is an important factor to consider. Both colleges have proven to be very successful in placement, and top recruiters have visited the campus on an annual basis.
When students compare NIT placements in terms of placement rate, profile of the recruiters, internships offered and outcome of the students in various branches as well, then they are able to have a clear vision of the career options available after graduating from the college. It is particularly helpful for students looking to have a better career future.
Check NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal Placements highlights below:
| Particular | NIT Surathkal | NIT Calicut |
|---|---|---|
| Total Students Placed (Engineering & Architecture) | 783 | 803 |
| Graduating Students (Engineering & Architecture) | 928 | 915 |
| Placement Percentage (Engineering & Architecture) | 92% | 99% |
| Median Salary (Engineering & Architecture) | ₹14 LPA | ₹12.16 LPA |
| Students Going for Higher Studies (Engineering & Architecture) | 79 | 106 |
| Graduating Students (Overall) | 992 | 981 |
| Total Students Placed (Overall) | 833 | 869 |
| Placement Percentage (Overall) | 91% | 99% |
| Median Salary (Overall) | ₹13.58 LPA | ₹11.86 LPA |
| Students Going for Higher Studies (Overall) | 84 | 106 |
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal: Highest and Average Package
The salary packages of the highest and average levels at both institutes give a clear idea of what the career prospects are in both institutes. These statistics can be compared by students studying in NIT BTech programs, especially NIT CSE, to decide the ROI of the institute and choose the most suitable institute for their career.
| Package | NIT Calicut | NIT Surathkal |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Package (Recent) for Engineering | INR 56.59 LPA | INR 63 LPA |
| Average Package (Recent) for Engineering | INR 14 LPA | INR 17 LPA |
Also Check: JoSAA Refund Policy 2026
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal: Campus Infrastructure and Facilities
Campus infrastructure can have a significant impact on the students’ learning and lives. Every aspect of the learning process is related to classrooms and laboratories, library, hostels, sports facilities, and research centres.
This NIT comparison is designed to bring to the notice of the aspirants the difference between the infrastructure and student facilities of the two institutes and help them find out which of the two institutes provides a better environment for students to study, engage in extracurricular activities and live their lives.
Check some of the most popular & common facilities available at NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal below:
Smart Classrooms:
The classrooms of both institutes are equipped with modern amenities such as projectors, audiovisual systems, computer-based teaching tools, etc., for interactive learning.
Department Laboratories:
The engineering departments have comprehensive laboratories with adequate equipment for doing practical sessions, research activities and project-based learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Central Library:
Central libraries offer extensive reading or study facilities, e-books, research papers and online databases, as well as good collections of books and journals.
Computer Centre:
The School has modern computer labs equipped with the latest computer software, programming tools and Internet connection, which are available for student use in the coursework and research.
Hostels:
Both institutes have separate boys’ and girls’ hostels with fully furnished rooms, a mess room, a common room, a laundry and a 24-hour security guard.
Wi Fi Enabled Campus:
The campuses are completely WiFi-equipped, where students can find access to online learning platforms, digital resources and academic portals in most places.
Sports Complex:
There are opportunities for students to take part in outdoor and indoor sports such as cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and athletics.
Gymnasium and Fitness Centre:
In modern gymnasiums, there is fitness equipment for students to use to support their healthy lifestyles.
Medical Centre:
Health centres are on both campuses, offering basic medical care, first aid and emergency care to students and staff.
Cafeterias and Food Courts:
A variety of meals, snacks and beverages are available in multiple cafeterias and food courts to meet the needs of students who have different food preferences.
Auditorium and Seminar Halls:
Academic conferences, workshops, guest lectures, cultural events, and student activities are held in large auditoriums and seminar halls.
Research Centres:
Innovation in engineering, science and technology is fostered by dedicated research facilities, with industry collaboration and funded projects.
Innovation and Incubation Centre:
Both institutes promote entrepreneurship with their startup incubation facility, mentoring, innovation labs, and opportunities to work on real-world projects.
Student Clubs and Societies:
Students are given opportunities to build up leadership and teamwork skills through various technical clubs, cultural society, entrepreneurship cell, literary club and social service clubs.
Banking and ATM Facilities:
Students and staff can have convenient banking needs met at the campus with bank branches and ATMs located inside or near the campus.
Guest House:
Guest houses are on campus to accommodate visiting faculty members, researchers, parents and guests.
Transportation and Parking:
The internal road, parking and public transport facilities are provided by both institutes for students, faculty and visitors.
Also Check: JoSAA Seat Withdrawal Process 2026 Explained
NIT Calicut Vs NIT Surathkal: Which One Should You Choose?
It all boils down to the branch you choose, the career you have in mind, the budget and personal preferences.
Besides NIT ranking, you need to consider other factors while deciding which NIT is best, like academics, placements, fees, campus life and location.
Both institutes rank among the Best NIT colleges in India and provide great learning experiences, making either one a good choice for an engineering aspirant.
Choose NIT Calicut If:
- You like to study in Kerala with good connectivity and a peaceful campus.
- You are seeking a good academic program with established engineering programs.
- You prefer to be able to have competitive placements with relatively lower living costs.
- You are interested in research, innovation and active technical clubs.
- You enjoy a well-rounded school experience with cultural and technical programs.
Choose NIT Surathkal If:
- You wish to learn in one of the Top NIT institutes that has a steady improvement in its NIRF index ranking.
- You’re aiming for the best slots, particularly in Computer Science and Information Technology.
- You would like to be on a campus near the coast, with good facilities and modern buildings.
- You want good industry ties, research experience and startups.
- You are okay with a bit more competition as the JEE Main cutoffs are lowered.
Conclusion
The decision between NIT Calicut vs NIT Surathkal has not been based on any single factor; it is all about how far an institute is aligned with your academic interests and long-term goals. Don’t consider NIT ranking only while choosing an institute; evaluate the branch, career prospects, research exposure, internship options, campus atmosphere, and other important factors.
Both the institutes have always been regarded as premier engineering institutes and have always been able to draw the best recruiters and the best students from all over the country. Carefully compare the latest cutoffs, seat matrix, and opportunities of every branch before going for NIT admission through JoSAA counselling.
Also Check: NIT Durgapur Placement 2026
Q1. Which is better, NIT Calicut or NIT Surathkal?
Ans. Both institutes are excellent choices for engineering. The better option depends on your preferred branch, career goals, campus environment, and personal preferences.
Q2. Is NIT Surathkal ranked higher than NIT Calicut?
Ans. Yes, NIT Surathkal generally secures a higher position than NIT Calicut in the NIRF Engineering rankings. However, both are among India’s top National Institutes of Technology.
Q3. Which institute has better CSE opportunities?
Ans. Both institutes have strong Computer Science departments with excellent academics and placement records. Candidates should compare the latest cutoffs, curriculum, research opportunities, and recruiter profiles before making a decision.
Q4. Are the fees at NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal similar?
Ans. Yes, the tuition fees at both institutes are broadly similar. However, the total cost may vary depending on hostel charges, mess fees, and other campus-related expenses.
Q5. Which institute has more competitive JEE Main cutoffs?
Ans. NIT Surathkal generally has more competitive JEE Main cutoffs, with lower closing ranks across many branches. Cutoffs vary every year based on category, branch, and seat availability.
Q6. Is hostel accommodation available at both institutes?
Ans. Yes, both NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal provide separate hostel facilities for boys and girls, along with mess facilities, Wi-Fi, sports infrastructure, and other student amenities.
Q7. Which institute offers better placement opportunities?
Ans. Both institutes have strong placement records across major engineering branches. Placement outcomes vary depending on the branch, recruiter participation, and market conditions.
Q8. Can I get admission to both institutes through JoSAA?
Ans. Yes, admissions to both NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal are conducted through JEE Main scores followed by JoSAA counselling. Vacant seats, if any, may be filled through CSAB counselling.
Q9. Which campus is better for research and innovation?
Ans. Both institutes have well-established research centres, innovation labs, incubation facilities, and startup support. Students get opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and industry collaborations.
Q10. How should I choose between NIT Calicut and NIT Surathkal?
Ans. Compare factors such as your preferred branch, previous years’ cutoffs, placement trends, fee structure, campus environment, research opportunities, and location. Choose the institute that best aligns with your academic interests and long-term career goals.



